The 1803 purchase of the Louisiana Territory doubled the size of the United States and helped kick off the period of westward expansion. Readers take a look at President Jefferson's role in the deal, why the United States wanted this territory, and why France agreed to the sale. Chapters describe the background of the purchase as well as its aftermath and impact on the course of American history.

The 1803 purchase of the Louisiana Territory doubled the size of the United States and helped kick off the period of westward expansion. Readers take a look at President Jefferson's role in the deal, why the United States wanted this territory, and why France agreed to the sale. Chapters describe the background of the purchase as well as its aftermath and impact on the course of American history.